On October 28-29, 2024, APEX proudly participated in the Keystone Space Collaborative 2024 Annual Conference at the historic Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA. With over 300 attendees from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, the event brought together leaders from industry, academia, and government to foster collaboration, explore emerging technologies, and address challenges in the ever-expanding space sector.
Representing APEX was Brendan Thoreson, Process Navigation Team Lead, who engaged with a dynamic community of innovators and positioned APEX as a critical partner in transitioning cutting-edge technologies to meet the operational needs of the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
Why APEX Was There
As the tri-state region’s premier space-focused event, the Keystone Space Collaborative Annual Conference provided APEX with the perfect platform to showcase its Process Navigation services and emphasize its role in helping small businesses and academic researchers successfully navigate SBIR/STTR funding opportunities. APEX’s attendance also reinforced its commitment to building strong partnerships that bridge the gap between academic research, industry innovation, and the DAF's strategic goals.
With APEX’s recent membership in the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC), this event supported ongoing efforts to expand brand presence in the Pittsburgh area while highlighting APEX’s dedication to advancing innovation and fostering meaningful connections within the local tech ecosystem.
Event Highlights
- Exploring Emerging Space Technologies: The conference shed light on groundbreaking technologies in the space sector with potential defense applications, providing APEX with valuable insights to better support space-focused innovators.
- Promoting APEX Services: Brendan actively shared information about APEX’s offerings, including SBIR/STTR Process Navigation, proposal support, and matchmaking services, helping raise awareness among attendees of APEX’s value to the defense innovation ecosystem.
- Strategic Networking: Through valuable interactions with industry leaders, government representatives, and academic researchers, APEX strengthened relationships and explored potential collaborations in the tri-state region.
- Spotlighting Regional Innovation: The conference emphasized the role of the Keystone Space Collaborative in fostering regional growth. APEX’s presence highlighted its alignment with the DAF's mission and its support for initiatives advancing space capabilities in the region.
- Enhancing Brand Visibility: As part of its strategy to grow in Pittsburgh and beyond, APEX used the event as an opportunity to deepen connections with the local tech and defense community, further establishing its position as a trusted partner in innovation.
Takeaways
The Keystone Space Collaborative 2024 Annual Conference showcased the importance of collaboration across sectors to advance space technology and innovation. APEX’s participation strengthened its relationships in the region, increased awareness of its services, and provided valuable insights into emerging technologies that align with the DAF's objectives.
As APEX continues its mission to connect innovators with the Department of the Air Force, events like this reinforce its role in supporting the transition of game-changing solutions from idea to operational reality.
Stay tuned as APEX Across the Nation continues to spotlight our journey across the U.S., fostering partnerships and innovation that propel national security and defense capabilities forward!
For more information about APEX and how we can support your innovative journey, visit www.apex-innovates.org.